Rendering of the MJR Troy Grand Digital Cinema 16 slated to open as early as April 2014. The 74,000-square-foot project will replace a vacant Kmart. / MJR Digital Cinemas

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Detroit Free Press Business Writer

MJR Digital Cinemas plans to open a 16-theater complex in Troy that, in one auditorium will offer a much larger screen and wider, more comfortable seating, the company announced Monday.

“The first time you walk in you are going to say, ‘Wow,’ ’’ said Michael Mihalich, the company’s founder and CEO. “And then, when you watch the movie, you’re going to do a second ‘Wow.’ ’’

Construction on the $16-million complex is to begin in September at Maple Road and Livernois and be completed as early as April 2014.

The 74,000-square-foot project will replace a vacant Kmart — and is expected to create 70 jobs.

One of the theaters will be set up to feature an extra-large screen — 80 feet by 48 feet — and over-stuffed leather chairs that will be up to 4 inches wider than typical movie seats. The chain is calling this new theater format its Epic Experience.

MJR — which is moving its headquarters from Oak Park to Bloomfield Hills within the next two weeks — plans to debut its large-screen concept at its Southgate complex, where it will demolish two auditoriums to add the larger screen by November.

In addition to the bigger screen, the Troy complex will have a bar that serves alcoholic beverages and TV screens that show movie previews.